18 Idols And The Stories Behind Creating Their Stage Names

1. Suho (EXO)

Kim Jun Myeon was named Suho, which is supposed to mean “protecting EXO as their leader”. Due to Suho’s responsible character, he is often acknowledged for living up to his name.

2. Irene (Red Velvet)

Irene is the name of the Greek goddess of peace, which is why this name was chosen for Bae Joo Hyun. The name and its significance suit her especially well!

3. I.M (MONSTA X)

I.M, whose full name is Im Chang Kyun, created his stage name after his family name “Im”.

4. Umji (GFRIEND)

The maknae of GFRIEND is said to have been named Umji (meaning “thumb” in Korean) by the CEO of her agency to emphasize her small figure and cute image.

5. J-Hope (BTS)

J-Hope came up with his name by using the initial of his family name in combination with the word “hope” so that he would become a hopeful person!

6. S.Coups (SEVENTEEN)

The leader of SEVENTEEN came up with his own stage name as he wanted a name that sounded like a rapper. The “S” stands for Seung Cheol (his real name) and SEVENTEEN while “Coups” stands for coup d’état and success.

7. Soyou

Soyou, whose real name is Kang Ji Hyun, chose Soyou as her stage name so that she might become a “woman who people want to possess (‘soyou’ in Korean)”.

8. Ravi (VIXX)

The stage name Ravi was chosen for its meaning in French. Ravi means “charmed” or “delighted” in French.

9. Solar (MAMAMOO)

Solar‘s stage name is a direct reference to the last character of there Korean Name, Kim Yong Sun. The name is also said to be a reference to the 5th and 6th syllables of the solmization of the Western music scale: “do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do”.

10. Onew (SHINee)

Onew stands for “the flow of warmth” and is a stage name that was given to the idol by Lee Soo Man himself. Onew’s bright and warm smile fits perfectly with the meaning of his name!

11. D.O. (EXO)

D.O., or Do Kyung Soo, was named D.O. because that is his family name. What a simple and straight-to-the-point stage name!

12. Key (SHINee)

Key is supposed to mean “the key to everything” as he truly is talented in everything from dancing, singing, and rapping to fashion and even language!

13. Kai (EXO)

Kai‘s name apparently means “open” in Chinese. It means to open the hearts of fans.

14. Joy (Red Velvet)

Joy’s name is known to have been given to her by her training instructor for her bright smile and to bring only “joyful” things during their promotions.

15. B.I (formerly of iKON)

B.I is an abbreviation for “Be I”, which means “I can become anything” as any word can come after “be”.

16. IU

IU stands for “I” and “you”, meaning you and I can become one through music.

17. N (VIXX)

N’s real name is Cha Hak Yeon. He used the last letter of his Korean name to come up with the stage name “N”, which also means “fate” in Japanese.